The Beachcomber story as told by the Chew Family
In spring 1966, prominent Vancouver Island businessman John Chew, owner of one of
the region’s largest excavation firms had a vision. He purchased prime low bank
waterfront land on Campion Road in Central Saanich with the intention to develop it into
a campground. Locals soon affectionally dubbed the idyllic spot “Chew’s Beach”. The
Chew family parked their trailer, the “Mayflower” and later the “Silver Hilton”, on site.
Each summer the property came alive as Chew’s employees and their families arrived
with tents, campers, trailers, and loaded station wagons. Boats anchored in the bay for
waterskiing, games of horseshoes rang out on the sand, and the evenings flowed with
campfires roasting hot dogs and marshmallows under the stars. In the end, it provided
the Chew family, their company employees and families an opportunity to spend time
with each other.
‘Chew Excavating employees part way down the driveway‘
In 1980, Chew acquired two vintage 1940’s motel units from one of his construction
jobs, the Cadboro Bay Auto Court redevelopment. Saved from demolition, they were
relocated and preserved on the property, adding cozy, nostalgic charm to the beachfront
haven.
The site gained wider exposure in 1986, when Central Saanich sought a welcoming
campground for Victoria bound tourists after Expo 86 in Vancouver. “Chew’s Beach”,
officially opened as Beachcomber RV Park, blending cherished local tradition with warm
seasonal hospitality for visitors drawn to Vancouver Island’s natural beauty.
‘The raw escarpment, currently hidden by trees‘
In recent years, the Chew family has chosen to retire, and are delighted to pass
stewardship to the Kramer family, kindred spirits who have been guardians of similar
land at their own beloved campground, Bradsdadsland, on Hornby Island since the
early 1980’s. Like Beachcomber, Bradsdadsland thrives as a gathering place on
stunning waterfront, in a sought after destination. While others envisioned
Beachcomber as an exclusive residential enclave or upscale resort, we the Kramers,
immediately recognized it for what it truly is: a timeless, unpretentious retreat. Simple,
deeply rustic, extraordinarily connected to nature, and joyfully apart from the modern
world, evoking the simple pleasures of “Days gone by”. We hope you cherish this
special “Days gone by”, place as much as the Chews always have, and as much as the
Kramers do, pretty much the way it has always been.
‘Arrival…end of the day‘
See you on the beach!
The Chew and Kramer Families
